Ever After High: Way Too Wonderland

Ever After High: Way Too Wonderland is a fanciful, animated feature presented by Mattel Playground Productions in 2015. This family-friendly, fairytale-inspired film showcases a talented voice cast including Robbie Daymond, Jonquil Goode, Cindy Robinson, and Kate Higgins. The film is a vibrant blend of modern animation techniques with traditional storytelling inspired by children's fairy tales. This captivating movie seamlessly intertwines comedy, adventure, and magic, delivering an enchanting narrative that appeals to kids and young adults alike.

The film chronicles the memorable adventures of the students of Ever After High, a boarding school that is nothing short of magical itself. This isn't your ordinary school, though—it's a unique institution located in the Fairytale World, attended by the next generation of fairy tale legends. The world of Ever After High is filled with the sons and daughters of classic folklorish icons like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, the Mad Hatter, and many more.

In Ever After High: Way Too Wonderland, the story's spotlight shines on four main characters—Raven Queen, Apple White, Madeline Hatter, and Briar Beauty. Robbie Daymond lends his voice to Alistair Wonderland, Jonquil Goode takes on the role of Apple White and Faybelle Thorn, and Kate Higgins gives voice to Briar Beauty.

The film kicks off with Raven Queen, the daughter of the Evil Queen, unwittingly using her powers to transport herself and her friends—Apple White (Snow White’s daughter and her roommate), Madeline Hatter (the Mad Hatter’s daughter), and Briar Beauty (Sleeping Beauty’s daughter)—to Wonderland. These protagonists grapple with an exhilarating, topsy-turvy journey, full of odd adventures and unexpected challenges.

Wonderland itself, as in the original stories, is a world of paradox, idiosyncrasy, and enchantment. This bewitching place is home to a gaggle of eccentric characters from suit-garbed card soldiers to talking animals, zany tea party hosts, and the infamous Queen of Hearts. The girls find themselves in an epic quest to escape the captivating but also perilous realm. Each challenge requires them to tap into their individual talents, strengths, and familial legacies to overcome tricky obstacles and ultimately return to Ever After High.

Accompanying the captivating plotline, the film excels in portraying strong, female characters who grow, exhibit courage, and challenge the preconceived destinies set for them. It sends out positive messages about the importance of friendship, determination, inner strength, and a more understandings of oneself. In essence, Ever After High is a modern tale of empowerment nestled within exquisite folklore reverberations.

Both the animation and the artistic direction of Ever After High: Way Too Wonderland are of high caliber, which is expected from Mattel. The film takes full advantage of its unique realm to create wonderfully surreal visuals. Great care is taken in character design in terms of their outfits, accessories, and overall looks, as they reflect the essence of the fairy tales from which they originate. Bright colors and whimsically complex sets form the thriving, fantastical scenes of Wonderland, perfectly embodying the chaotic and nonsensical nature of the world that the girls unexpectedly find themselves in.

Coming to the characters, they are all vibrant personalities, each with their unique charm and depth. The fact that these characters carry the baggage of their legendary parents' tales adds an intriguing layer to their personalities. Yet, they are teenagers first and foremost, adding relatability to the surreal plot. It's delightful watching our protagonists grow and develop throughout the film, each journey unique but interconnected.

Ever After High: Way Too Wonderland enchants with its splendid animation, complex characters, compelling narrative arcs, and thought-provoking thematic material. This is not just a children’s animation film; it is a heartwarming exploration of friendship, destiny, self-acceptance, and personal growth.